Systems, methods and apparatus for substance dependence cessation management

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods and apparatus for substance dependence cessation management are described. The system involves an electronic mobile device, a communication network and a substance packet holder adapted with a substance packet dispenser, the substance packet holder connected to the electronic mobile device through the communication network. The system being capable of collecting user related information of a user for activating for an algorithm on the electronic mobile device based on the user related information, defining a plan for the cessation of substance dependence and capable of controlling a dispensing of a substance packet from the substance packet dispenser for the user.

PRIORITY CLAIM TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/276,524, entitled as “SYSTEMS, METHODS ANDAPPARATUS FOR SUBSTANCE DEPENDENCE CESSATION MANAGEMENT”, filed Feb. 14,2019, which claimed benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/631,025, entitled as “Systems, Methods and Apparatus for SubstanceDependence Cessation Management”, filed on Feb. 15, 2018, thedisclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to systems, methods andapparatus for substance dependence cessation management.

BACKGROUND

Substance abuse affects a larger portion of human population in theworld. In terms of people who are affected directly such as families ofabusers and indirectly include those injured or killed by intoxicatedabusers, an additional portion of the population are affected. A generalsurvey indicates that “Substance dependence and substance addiction”,can be diagnosed with physiological impact, evidence of tolerance orwithdrawal, or without physiological impact. For exemplary purposes, thevarious kinds of substance involved in Substance dependencies andaddictions include, alcohols, opioids, sedatives, hypnotics,anxiolytics, benzodiapenes, barbiturates, hallucinogens, inhalants,polysubstance, phencyclidines nicotine and nicotine-based substances.

A state of substance tolerance is reached when a physical habituation toa substance is gained by frequent use of the substance, such that inconsequent consumptions, higher doses of the substance are required toachieve the same effect. Substance withdrawal symptoms are a cluster ofsymptoms that occur when a user stops using a particular addictivesubstance following heavy and prolonged use. People who experiencewithdrawal symptoms often return to the substance usage to relieve thediscomfort associated with withdrawal symptoms, causing a relapse.

The words substance dependence and substance addiction are often usedinterchangeably, but there are important differences between the two.Dependence specifically refers to a physical condition in which the bodyhas adapted to the presence of a substance in the body. Althoughdependence is often a part of addiction, non-addictive substances canalso produce dependence in patients. A prime example is prednisone, asynthetic form of the steroid hormone cortisol that is used to treatasthma, allergic reactions.

Substance dependence and substance addiction are treatable conditions.Methods and systems for reducing the dosage of the patient from thesubstance slowly may be beneficial.

SUMMARY

Embodiments are directed to a gradual reduction of dose of a substancemonitored with a customized algorithm to assist in substance dependencecessation or substance addiction cessation without any or at leastreduced withdrawal symptoms.

In an embodiment of the present inventive subject matter, a system forsubstance dependence cessation management, is described involving anelectronic mobile device, a communication network and a substance packetholder adapted with a substance packet dispenser, connected to theelectronic mobile device through the communication network. The systemis capable of collecting user related information required for analgorithm. The system adapted to activate an algorithm on the connectedelectronic device based on user related information and defining a planfor the cessation of substance dependence and capable of controlling thedispensing of substance packets from the substance dispenser. The systemcapable of identifying a substance dispenser proximate to the user fordispensing the substance packets at scheduled times. The system capableof rewarding the user for adhering to the number of substance packetsdispensed by the algorithm-controlled substance packet dispenser. Thesystem capable of dispensing substance packet only at the dispensernearest to the user. The system capable of ensuring the substancepackets are dispensed only at a single dispenser at a given timeframe.

In another embodiment of the present inventive subject matter, a methodfor substance dependence cessation management is described. The methodinvolves, registering a user for substance dependence cessationmanagement, collecting user's substance dependence related information,saving user's substance dependence related information and generating asubstance dependence cessation plan for the user. The method furtherproviding instructions to the user regarding a number of substancepackets to be loaded into a substance dispenser and controlling a numberof substance packets dispensed from a substance packet holder, to theuser at a given time frame.

In yet another embodiment of the present inventive subject matter, anapparatus for substance dependence cessation management is described.The apparatus involves a substance packet holder chamber, the substancepacket holder chamber adapted to hold one or more substance packets anda substance packet dispenser embedded in the substance packet holderchamber capable of being controlled by a software program to dispense aparticular number of substance packet at a specific time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the present invention can be better understood withreference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings arenot necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in thedrawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the several views.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for substance dependence cessationmanagement.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a substance dependencecessation apparatus.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart for user information collection.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart for user information collection.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart of operation of substance cessationmanagement system.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart of operation of substance cessationmanagement system.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary screen shot of display device.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary screen shot of display device.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary screen shot of display device.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary screen shot of display device.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary screen shot of display device.

FIG. 12 is a graphical representation of a substance dependencecessation plan.

FIG. 13 is a graphical representation of a substance dependencecessation plan.

FIG. 14 illustrates flow chart for accommodating a craving request.

FIG. 15 is a graphical representation of a substance dependencecessation plan.

FIG. 16 is a graphical representation of a substance dependencecessation plan.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DISCLOSURE

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplaryembodiments in detail, it should be understood that the application isnot limited to the details or methodology set forth in the descriptionor illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that theterminology is for purpose of description only and should not beregarded as limiting.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a user customizedsubstance dependence cessation (SDC) planning, administrating andexecuting system that may utilize a mobile device or other digitaldevice, to collect user information and feed the collected informationto the SDC planning system for generating a workable SDC plan.

Referring generally to the figures, embodiments of the systems andmethods described herein are directed to assisting user in cessation ofsubstance dependence or substance addiction. For exemplary purposes, thedifferent embodiments describe, systems, methods and apparatus forcessation of substance dependence in detail throughout the disclosure.The described embodiments for cessation of substance dependence can betailored for usage for cessation of substance addiction too. Embodimentsare directed towards a user customized plan generated by the substancedependence cessation system for achieving substance dependence cessationin a healthy way with minimum or no withdrawal symptoms for a user.Embodiments are directed to a software application platform combiningthe unique features of a substance dispensing analysis module and asubstance dispensing module which work conjointly to put together thesubstance dependence cessation plan as described above.

The system has a digital user interface or application which may bedownloaded on any user possessed digital device through the internet.One purpose of the application is to register user for SDC plan, createunique user ID, collect user specific information and communicate theinformation to the SDC planner for generating user customized SDC plan.Cloud or premise-based servers may be configured to use user's basicinformation, including user profile history and send the information toa data storage to archive that approved user details on system serversconnected to SDC platforms and user associated data bases.

As described, the system comprises several components arranged invarious configuration to maximize efficiency of communication betweenthe components. The system is designed to be used by one or more usersaccording to the needs of users from a single geolocation or fromdifferent geolocations and yet being connected by a user networkgenerated by the SDC computing subsystem. The system includes aweb-based SDC software application, which is accessible through avariety of computing devices, including but not limited to such asdesktop computers equipped with a web browser, as well through nativemobile applications installed on mobile computing devices such assmartphones and tablets. A cloud-based infrastructure comprising aserver and SDC database configured to receive information from user anduser devices via the Internet, by way of cellular networks, wired andwireless routers, and local area networks (LANs) of varying size andconfiguration. On the other hand, the present invention provides a usercustomized plan for substance dependence cessation by gradually reducingthe dose of the substance over a user appropriate period of time.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to interact as anintegrated whole as means of planning, administering and executing andproviding a user feasible substance dependence cessation plan, all thewhile automating and networking many traditional manual processes andcollecting and storing valuable user specific information for laterqueries and retrieval for operational efficiency analysis.

As described, the present system, method and apparatus is delineatedspecifically for use within a substance abuse cessation environment,more specifically for a substance dependence or a substance addictioncessation management for users, but may also be configured and scaled tofunction within larger, more user-dense environments with multiplesubstance dependence or addictions, managed by a single SDC system.

Referring to FIG. 1 , FIG. 1 depicts the different key components of asystem 100 for SDC management. The system 100 further includes, a usersubsystem 110, a computing subsystem 120, a substance dispensersubsystem 130 and an internet connectivity subsystem 140. All thesesubsystems conjointly work towards delivering a substance dependencecessation plan for benefitting an interested user.

A user subsystem 110 includes one or more users 108, with a mobilecomputing device 113 having a display 114 and software application 115.A user 108 inputs his/her information through a display 114 of a mobilecomputing device 113 upon prompting by an SDC application or SDC app ontheir mobile computing device 113. The mobile computing device 113, asmart phone or another mobile device, would require an internet accessto download the software applications SDC app 115. The compatibility ofa software app with the device is vital for the good performance of theapp on the device. The software app, SDC app 115, disclosed in thisinvention is compatible with most operating systems, Android, Apple,Microsoft, Amazon, and BlackBerry mobile operating systems, thus makingit easily accessible by wide variety of user. A network communicationdevice 116 is a hardware device capable of transmitting an analog ordigital signal with other computing devices and the computing subsystem120. One or more users 108 with one or more mobile computing devices 113are connected into a meshed network with the computing subsystem 120.The network communication device 116 may include, a computer Modem, anetwork interface card (NIC), Wi-Fi devices, an access point, Bluetoothdevices, Infrared devices, Network card (using Ethernet), Smartphone andWi-Fi devices (using a Wi-Fi router). For example, but not limited to, aBluetooth RF technology based device may be implemented that operates at2.4 GHz, has an effective range of 32-feet, and has a transfer rate of 1Mbps and throughput of 721 Kbps to connect a user mobile computingdevice 113 with the computing subsystem 120.

Specifically, FIG. 1 depicts a system for registering one or more user108, collecting user specific information, like personal information,location information, substance usage profile by users 108 and creatingunique user profile data for generation of user customized SDC plan. Theuser 108 is provided with the comfort of providing their informationfrom their mobile computing device 113, without the need to physicallytravel to a substance abuse help centers for treatment purposes. Uponautomatic prompting on their mobile computing device 113, the user 108provide their substance use profile, privately and securely to a datastorage server 119 via a software SDC application or SDC app 115 ontheir mobile computing device 113 e.g. smart phone, tablet or etc.

Additionally, FIG. 1 depicts a system 100 for identifying and trackingthe location of a user at different times of a day by location-basedsearch capability of the internet connectivity subsystem 140, so as toefficiently optimize and execute the SDC plan by a computing subsystem120, with a substance dispenser subsystem 130, which is in nearproximity to the user. The “substance” as described throughout thepresent disclosure includes alcohol, opioids, cocaine caffeine, nicotineand any other substance dependable or addictive substance in the form asubstance packet. The term substance packet includes, an alcohol bottle,a drug substance in a capsule, drug substance in a casing, drugsubstance in a wrapper, drug substance in a container, drug substance inan envelope, drug substance in an edible tablet or a drug substance in acan.

A computing subsystem 120 includes a central processing unit or aprocessor 111, an exemplary processor, such as, but not limited to, aPentium processor or an Athlon processor or a Phenom Processor or aDuron processor or a Core Series Processor may be implemented to receiveinstructions from a memory 112. In the alternative, a multi-coreprocessor may be implemented, which means that system contains two ormore processors for enhanced performance, reduced power consumption andmore efficient simultaneous processing of multiple tasks. Principalcomponents of a processor 111 include an arithmetic logic unit, aprocessor registers unit and a control unit. The arithmetic logic unitmainly performs arithmetic and logic operations for generation of theSDC plan. The processor registers supply all the required operands tothe Arithmetic logic unit and store the results of arithmetic logic unitoperations. The control unit controls the data fetching from memory 112and execution of instructions by directing the coordinated operations ofthe arithmetic logic unit, processor registers, control unit and othercomponents. The processor 111 has relatively some memory storage and hasmay have only enough memory to hold a few instructions of a program andthe data they process with the arithmetic logic unit. The resultsachieved by the arithmetic logic unit in the form of data sets are heldin memory external to the processor 111, as a main memory, and asecondary memory. The main memory also called volatile, loses itsinformation when power is removed. Secondary memory is usuallynonvolatile because it retains its information when power is removed.The incoming data is initially stored in random access memory. Theprocessor then stores pieces of data it will need to access, in apriority of use order in a cache, and maintains certain specialinstructions in the register for retrieving the data accordingly.

The computing subsystem 120 controls and supervises the operation of thesubstance dispensing subsystem 130 through the SDC app 115. The two maincomponent modules playing a vital software role in planning,administering and executing a user customized SDC plan are substancedispensing analysis module 117 and substance dispensing control module118. The substance dispensing analysis module reviews and analyses thedata collected by the processor 111, inputted by the user 108 throughhis/her mobile computing device 113 via the SDC app. Based on the datacollected for the user profile, substance dispensing analysis module 117analyses a general health of the user, the commitment promised by theuser, the user selected method for cessation, a cold-turkey cessation, afast rate cessation, a medium rate cessation or a slow rate cessation.The user 108 is asked to answer one or more questions before generatinga user customized SDC plan. Substance dispensing analysis module 117interacts with the processor 111 to lay out the structure for the SDCplan. An SDC algorithm is defined, which is an effective method that canbe expressed based on user profile data and in a well-defined formallanguage for calculating a SDC plan. Starting from an initial state andinitial input by the user 108, the SDC algorithm instructions describe acomputation that, when executed, proceeds through a finite number ofwell-defined successive states, eventually producing a user customizedSDC plan and terminating at a final ending state. The arithmetic logicunit of the processor 111 functions as a combination logic circuit,wherein the output will change in response to asynchronous changes ininput based on the collected user profile records. The differentoperations, which may be executed to lay out the SDC plan includes,arithmetic operations, bitwise logical operations and bit shiftoperations. Operations like add, subtract, increment and decrement are afew examples of arithmetic operations supported by the processor.Bitwise logical operations supported by the Arithmetic logic unitinclude AND, OR, Exclusive-OR. Bit shift operations like arithmeticshift, logical shift, rotate and rotate through carry operations help intransforming the data collected by the user profile to be converted tomeaningful SDC plan attributes.

The substance dispensing control module 118, plays a major role inexecuting the SDC plan generated by the computing subsystem 120 with thesubstance dispensing subsystem 130. The substance dispensing controlmodule 118 mainly communicates with the Network communication device 116to lay out a plan of the location detail of the different subcomponentsof the substance dispenser subsystem 130. The rate at which a substanceis dispensed at each of the substance dispensing subsystem 130 is alsocontrolled by the substance dispensing control module 118. The mainfunction of the substance dispensing control module 118 is to monitorand make sure a substance is dispensed at one and only one substancedispensing subsystem 130 in near proximity to the user at a given timeinterval, so as to avoid excessive dispensing of substance or dispensingof substances at one or more locations at the same given time interval.

The data storage 119 of the computing system handles all the datanecessary for planning executing and post execution detailing of the SDCplan for one or more users at various locations. The data representinguser profile information, user customized SDC plan attributes generatedfor one or more users in the form of numbers, lab results, profilepictures, audio, and nearly any other form of information is convertedinto a string of bits, or binary digits, each of which has a value of 1or 0 and stored as a byte, equal to 8 bits. This form stored informationcan be communicated between one or more computer or user mobilecomputing device 113, whose storage space is large enough to accommodatethe binary representation of data. Many standards exist for encodingincluding, character encodings like ASCII, image encodings like JPEG,video encodings like MPEG-4. By adding bits to each encoded unit,redundancy allows the computer to both detect errors in coded data andcorrect them based on mathematical algorithms. The cyclic redundancycheck method is typically used in communications and storage for errordetection. For security reasons data may be kept encrypted in datastorage 119 to prevent the possibility of unauthorized informationreconstruction from chunks of storage snapshots. The data storage 119forms the base for data sharing with external entities includingclinical professionals or even other users. The data storage 119provides the information necessary for publishing success stories ofsuccessful cessation of substance dependence by users at their ownrates, which would serve as inspirational quotes and records for newusers.

A substance dispensing subsystem 130 comprises of one or more substancedispensers associated with a user in a multiple user network. Theoperational features of the substance dispensing subsystem arecompletely controlled by the computing subsystem 120 according to thegenerated user customized SDC plan. A single user may possess one ormore substance dispensers, substance dispenser-1 130A, substancedispenser-2 130B and substance dispenser-3 130C connected to his/her SDCplan to dispense the substance at different intervals of the day. Forexample, the different locations for the substance dispensers 130 A/B/Cinclude, home, office, car, fitness center etc. Each of the substancesdispenser is identifiable by its unique identifiers assigned by thecomputing subsystem 120. Each of the substance dispensers can beembedded with location revealing sensors like Bluetooth tooth beacons,to estimate the proximity of a substance dispenser to a user at a giveninterval of time.

A representative example of a substance dispenser apparatus 200 is asshown in FIG. 2 . The substance dispenser apparatus 200, is configuredto execute the instructions defined by the computing subsystem 120. Thesubstance dispenser apparatus 200, comprises a chamber 210 for holdingone or more substance packets, embedded with a sensor to determine thenumber of substance packets in the chamber, to be displayed on asubstance dispenser display 220. The information regarding the number ofsubstance packets is communicated back to the computing subsystem 120.The chamber has a dispensing outlet 230 through which the substance isdispensed according to the SDC planner. The opening and closing of thechamber for loading the substance packets is controlled by a computingsubsystem. Thus, making sure that the substance packet is available forthe user only according to the SDC plan and not at the wish of the user.The substance dispenser displays 220 is also used for displayinggreeting and encouraging messages to the user and to throughput anyother important messages to the user. The apparatus may also be equippedwith a pair of speaker 240 to play any important greeting audio clips orencouraging words to the user by the computing subsystem 120. Thesubstance dispenser apparatus 200 can also be equipped with a cravingbutton 250, which can be used to communicate the craving feeling of theuser to the computing subsystem. In an alternative embodiment, the user108 may communicate the craving feeling to the computing subsystem 120through the SDC app 115 on the user mobile communicating device 113. Assoon as a communication is received regarding the craving feeling of theuser, either by the activation of the craving button or through the SDCapp the computing subsystem accommodates the user request andmanipulates to the SDC to satisfy the user's craving feeling. Asresearch has shown that by meeting the craving feature there is greaterprobability that the user will stick back with his SDC plan rather thantrying to circumvent the craving feeling.

In some embodiments the power source for the substance dispenserapparatus 200, comprises a disposable battery or a rechargeable battery,wherein the rechargeable battery is configured with an optional batterycharging mechanism, like an external charging station or a solar cellpowered battery charger. In an alternative embodiment, the substancedispenser apparatus 200 can be connected by a hard-wired circuit to apower source with a plug point.

In an exemplary embodiment, a mechanical dispensing coil may be used fordispensing the substance packets from the substances dispenser apparatus200. In an alternative, an electronically activated motor may beimplemented, which spins and generates a vibrational motion in aspiraled substance holder inside the substance dispenser. When thecomputing subsystem 120 sends an instruction to the substance dispenserapparatus 200 to dispense a substance packet, the motor iselectronically activated, leading to a vibrational motion of thesubstance packet holder, thus pushing the substance packets forward. Dueto the vibrational motion, when the substance packet reaches the end ofthe substance packet holder, it simply falls due to gravity into thedispensing outlet 230 at the bottom of the substance dispenser apparatus200.

The internet connectivity subsystem 140 is responsible for theinformation flow between the one or more user 108 of the user subsystem110, computing subsystem 120 and the substance dispenser subsystem 130.The different types of internet connectivity which can be used tosupport the embodiments described in this disclosure include, Dial-Up,DSL, Wi-Fi, or Cellular connectivity. The internet connectivitysubsystem 140 helps in finding the location details of the user bytracking the mobile communication device of the user. The locationdetails of the substance dispenser subsystems in near proximity to theuser is estimated by the information given out by the embedded locationbeacons to execute the SDC plan with the appropriate substance dispensersubsystem.

Referring to FIG. 3 , FIG. 3 describes a process 300 that may be used tocollect substance use (e.g., substance may be narcotics, nicotine,demerol, cigarettes, tobacco, sweets, fatty foods) related data of oneor more users 108. The display 114 generates a screen that prompts theuser for an input regarding user profile information from the user 108on his/her mobile computing device 113. Upon receiving the information,the user, the user profile information is stored by the processor in thedata storage 119. Initially, at step 310, a user is prompted to enterhis/her name and date of birth. The computing subsystem upon receivingthe user name and date of birth information, registers the user as a newuser and creates a unique user identification to be used by the SDC appfor generating the user customized SDC plan. At step 320, the user isprompted to enter the duration of substance dependence or how many yearsthe user has been dependent on the substance. The information regardingthe substance dependence duration helps in defining the level of thesubstance dependence as light, medium or severe. At step 330, a user isprompted to provide information regarding the number of substancepackets consumed on an average day. The information regarding thefrequency of the substance packet consumption helps in defining severityof the dependence. At steps 340 and 350, the user's bed time and wake uptime is collected to calculate an average wake time of a patient, whichwould be the most probable duration for the substance consumption in aday. After collecting the information for the user 108 regarding theuser profile information, the substance dispenser analysis module of thecomputing subsystem 120, analysis the user data, to sketch a profile forthe user regarding the substance he/she is dependent on and the severityof the dependence and the general health of the user and feeds all theseinformation to an SDC algorithm to generate the user customized SDCplan.

Referring to FIG. 4 , FIG. 4 describes a process 400 that may be used tocollect substance usage locations related data of one or more users 108.The display 114 generates a screen that prompts the user for an inputregarding substance usage location information from the user 108 onhis/her mobile computing device 113. Upon receiving the information fromthe user, the user profile information is stored by the processor in thedata storage 119 and communicated to the substance dispenser analysismodule 117 and substance dispenser control module 118. The SDC plangenerated for the user is built upon the proximity of the substanceusage locations to the user at different time intervals of the day. Atstep 410, a user is prompted to enter substance usage location 1. Forexample, the substance usage location 1 may include a residence of theuser. At step 420, a user is prompted to enter substance usage location2. For example, the substance usage location 2 may include a vehicle theuser uses to travel to his/her office. At step 430, a user is promptedto enter substance usage location 3. For example, the substance usagelocation 3 may include an office of the user. At step 440, a user isprompted to enter location of substance purchase. The computingsubsystem 120 in conjunction with the internet connectivity subsystem140 subsystem estimates the number of trips taken to the substancepurchase store. At step 450, a user is prompted to enter the averagemoney spent on buying substance packets. In alternative embodiments, theuser's bank cards like credit cards, debit cards can be tracked by theinternet connectivity subsystem to track the expenditure on substancepackets and to estimate the user's consumption of the purchasedsubstance packets. The substance usage location, 1/2/3 includes, but notlimited to, home, office, car.

In a non-limiting embodiment, FIG. 5 describes a flowchart 500, for anoperational or executional structure for the substance dependencecessation management. At step 510, the computing subsystem 120 collectsand saves substance dependence related user data and the substancedispenser analysis module 117 prepares all the necessary requisites fora user customized SDC algorithm. The SDC algorithm is mainly dependenton the input information from user regarding the substance dependencehistory. At step 520, computing subsystem 120 generates a workable SDCplan for the user based on user details provided by user in steps210-250 and 310-350 described above and executes the plan through thesubstance dispenser control module 118. At step 530, the computingsubsystem communicates the work plan through the internet connectivitysubsystem 140 and the different substance dispensers are loaded withsubstance packet dispensing instructions. At step 550, user isinstructed to load a specific number of substance packets in thesubstance dispenser in a particular location based on the generated SDCalgorithm. The instructions can be displayed on the substance dispenserdisplay 220 or played as a voice message on the speakers 240 of thesubstance dispenser 120A/B/C.

In a preferred embodiment, referring to FIG. 6 , FIG. 6 describes asystem 700 for one or more substance dispensers. The computing subsystem120 communicates with the substance packet dispenser at location 1-120A,substance packet dispenser at location 2-120B and substance packetdispenser at location 3-120C via the internet connectivity subsystem 140to load substance packet dispensing instructions to the substance packetdispensers at the various locations based on user given details. Theinternet connectivity subsystem 140 leverages different technologies, todetermine the substance packet dispenser proximate to the user at agiven time and location, including GPS connectivity and Bluetoothtechnology.

The success of the SDC management is completely dependent on thecommitment of the user 108 to adhere to the SDC plan and to strictlyfollow all the instructions. In an exemplary embodiment, a substancedependence cessation management app loaded on a mobile computing device113, shows a screen shot 700 as shown in FIG. 7 , for a “promise” by theuser that he/she will only use substance packets dispensed by thesubstance dispenser controlled by the computing subsystem's SDC workplan and algorithm.

During the duration of the SDC management program, the user 108 will bereinforced through constant encouragement by offering reward points oncompletion of milestones. And also educating the user with the “amountof money saved” and “length of days expected to be added to lifeexpectancy” due to substance dependence cessation. In an exemplaryembodiment, a substance dependence management software loaded on amobile communication device 113, shows a screen shot 800 as shown inFIG. 8 , for congratulating the user for achieving his part goals and bydisplaying “Congratulations, you have achieved your 3^(rd) milestonetowards quitting substance dependence” and messages like “click below tosee your awards”.

The user 108 is provided by different options by the SDC app to checkthe status of the SDC plan he/she is involved. In an exemplaryembodiment, a substance dependence cessation management software loadedon a mobile communicating device 113, shows a screen shot 900 as shownin FIG. 9 , for displaying a timeline for substance dependence cessationand giving specific details of when SDC plan would be completed.

The user 108 is provided with sharing capabilities with different socialmedia sites through the user's mobile communication device 113 via theinternet connectivity subsystem 120. In an exemplary embodiment, asubstance dependence cessation management software loaded on a mobilephone, shows a screen shot 1000 as shown in FIG. 10 , for sharing thesuccess stories with friends and family through social media sites likeFacebook, Twitter etc.

As the user 108 is registered to the SDC management program throughhis/her mobile communication device 113, the user is automaticallyconnected to the network of other users and is provided with options toread other's success stories. In an exemplary embodiment, a substancedependence cessation management software loaded on a mobile phone, showsa screen shot 1100 as shown in FIG. 11 , for displaying a window to readand get inspired from other successful stories.

In some embodiments of the SDC management program, the rate of number ofsubstance packets reduction includes, but not limited to, a linearreduction, a logarithmic reduction, a stepped reduction, or acombination thereof, wherein the rate of number of substance packetsreduction is measured in percentage of number of substance packets pertime period as illustrated by an exemplary graph in FIG. 12 .

In a non-limiting embodiment, for SDC management involvingnicotine-based cigarettes, nicotine-free cigarettes may be used in partof the usual number of cigarettes used per day, thereby reducing thenumber of nicotine-based cigarettes used per day. Many of these herbalsupplements are considered harmless or even healthy when consumed. So,they form a safe and healthy substitute for nicotine-based cigarettes.The rate at which the number of cigarettes or substance packets aredispensed may be controlled and changed periodically. The rate at whichthe cigarettes are dispensed may be linearly reduced. In variousembodiments, the rate at which the cigarettes are dispensed may belogarithmically reduced, or step function reduced. The rate of number ofcigarette reduction is measured in percentage of number of cigarettesand the number of nicotine-based cigarettes per time period asillustrated by the graph in FIG. 13 .

In some embodiments, the substance packet dispenser includes a cravingbutton 250, where the user can press the button to get an extrasubstance packet apart from the usual number substance packet in the SDCplan. As it has been clinically proven that by satisfying a craving,there is more probability for the user to return back to his SDC planand continue it further than restraining the user from satisfying hiscraving. Referring to FIG. 14 , FIG. 14 illustrates a flow chart 1400for the executional sequence for the SDC plan accommodating the cravingdesire. Initially at step 1410, the user 108 communicates the cravingdesire. The communication can be by pressing the craving button 250 onthe substance dispenser (step—1420A) or by communicating through the SDCapp (step—1420B) on the user's mobile communication device 113. At step1430, the communication sent by the user is received by the computingsubsystem 120. Further at step 1440, the computing subsystem 120coordinates with the substance dispenser analysis module 117 toaccommodate the craving request by the user in the SDC algorithm and SDCwork plan. A modified SDC algorithm and SDC work plan is generatedincluding the addition craving satisfying substance packet. At step1450, the modified SDC plan is communicated to the substance dispensercontrol module. Finally, at step 1460, the substance dispenser controlmodule communicates the modified SDC plan to the substance dispenserclosely proximate to the user 108 to dispense a substance packetimmediately to satisfy the craving desire of user.

FIGS. 15 & 16 illustrate graphic outputs showing the user's dailyfrequency data output for substance packet intake and a user's dailyinter-substance packet spacing data for an exemplary SDC managementprotocols. These represent exemplary data that is stored in the datastorage 119 of the computing subsystem 120 and which can be furthershared with the user and or a clinical professional.

In some embodiments of the substance dispenser 120A/B/C, the electroniccommunication system for communicating with one or more other electronicdevice comprises: a wireless internet connectivity subsystem 140; and awired communication link, wherein the other electronic device comprises:a computer, a mobile device, a computer network, and an electronicstorage data device, as illustrated in.

In some embodiments, a substance cessation method uses one to multiplesubstance dispenser apparatus 120 that can hold multiple substancepackets in a chamber. When an user 108 is ready to quit substancedependence, the method uses an iOS and Android app to enter variousdetails prior to starting a program. Data required prior to initiationincludes but not limited to Name, DOB, Duration of substance dependence,number of substance packets consumed on average/day, wake up time, bedtime, places where substance packets consumed, home, office, car,physical location where substance packets are purchased, how much moneyspent on substance packets per week. After the appropriate data isentered, the method activates an algorithm and instructs the individualto load the number of substance packets as recommended. The Algorithmwill also recommend the approximate number of devices required andnumber of substance packets required to be loaded in each device. Insome embodiments, the algorithm will calculate and start dispensingsubstance packets at calculated times and increasing the duration everyday by few min (duration generated by algorithm). If an individual hasmore than one devices, substance packet is only dispensed by the closestdevice as calculated by the Bluetooth connectivity by the smart devicerunning the App. If a substance packet is dispensed by one device, itwon't be dispensed by the other device as per the communication amongall devices thus creating a mesh network forming a backbone for thealgorithm.

Alternative SDC management plans are contemplated herein. Fornon-limiting example, a SDC management plan may comprise a fast ratetapering, which reduces the consumption of substance packets used by auser from their current usage profile to zero substance dependence in aweek, in two weeks, in three weeks, in four weeks, in five weeks, in sixweeks, in seven weeks, in up to eight weeks. For non-limiting example, aSDC management plan may comprise a medium rate tapering which reduces auser's substance dependence from their current usage profile to zerosubstance dependence in two months, in eight weeks, in nine weeks, inten weeks, in eleven weeks, in up to twelve weeks, or in two months tothree months. For non-limiting example, a management plan may comprise aslow rate tapering which reduces the consumption of substance packetsused by a user from their current usage profile to zero substancedependence in three months, in twelve weeks, in thirteen weeks, infourteen weeks, in fifteen weeks, in sixteen weeks, in seventeen weeks,in eighteen weeks, in three months to six months, in three months tofour months, in three months to five months, or in up to six months. Fornon-limiting example, a management plan may comprise an extra slow ratetapering which reduces the consumption of substance packets used by auser from their current usage profile to zero substance dependence inover six months, in twenty-six to 52 weeks, or six months to one year,or up to one year. Longer plans may be used, or shorter plans or acombination of longer and shorter plans may alternatively be used basedon the user 108 response to any of the substance cessation plan.

In some embodiments, two or more substance dependence management systemscan be tagged to each other by locating them through Bluetooth beaconsfor micro location awareness. Once the two or more substance dependencemanagement systems are tagged they can pair automatically for datasharing. The locational details corresponding to latitudinal andlongitudinal coordinates for the two or more-substance dependencemanagement system. The coordinates in addition to address are storedassociated with each session

In some embodiments, facial recognition can be used for a password totag sessions based off of a photograph with the responsible party fordispensing substance packets from a substance dispenser. This uses thefront facing camera of the mobile computing device 113 of the user subsystem 110.

The construction and arrangement of the systems and methods as shown inthe various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only afew embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, manymodifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions,structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ofparameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.). For example, the position of elements may bereversed or otherwise varied and the nature or number of discreteelements or positions may be altered or varied. Accordingly, all suchmodifications are intended to be included within the scope of thepresent disclosure. The order or sequence of any process or method stepsmay be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplaryembodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and programproducts on any machine-readable media for accomplishing variousoperations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implementedusing existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computerprocessor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or anotherpurpose, or by a hardwired system, or a printer circuit board.Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include programproducts comprising machine readable media for carrying or havingmachine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Suchmachine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessedby a general purpose or special purpose computer or another machine witha processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media can compriseRAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magneticdisk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other mediumwhich can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form ofmachine-executable instructions or data structures and which can beaccessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or anothermachine with a processor. When information is transferred, or providedover a network or another communications connection (either hardwired,wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a machine, themachine properly views the connection as a machine-readable medium.Thus, any such connection is properly termed a machine readable medium.Combinations of the above are also included within the scope ofmachine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, forexample, instructions and data which cause a general-purpose computer,special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines toperform a certain function or group of functions.

Although the figures may show a specific order of method steps, theorder of the steps may differ from what is depicted. Also, two or moresteps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Suchvariation will depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and ondesigner choice. All such variations are within the scope of thedisclosure. Likewise, software implementations could be accomplishedwith standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and otherlogic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps,comparison steps and decision steps.

The instant invention may be embodied in other forms or carried out inother ways without departing from the spirit or essentialcharacteristics thereof. The present disclosure is therefore to beconsidered as in all respects illustrative and not restrictive, thescope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims, and allequivalency are intended to be embraced therein. One of ordinary skillin the art would be able to recognize equivalent embodiments of theinstant invention and be able to practice such embodiments using theteaching of the instant disclosure and only routine experimentation.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A system for substance dependence cessationmanagement, comprising: an electronic mobile device; a communicationnetwork; and a substance packet dispenser connected to the electronicmobile device through the communication network, the substance packetdispenser is configured to dispense packets based on a substancedependence cessation (SDC) plan that is generated based on personalinformation, comprising dependence on a substance, of a user; whereinthe system is adapted to reward the user for adhering to a number ofsubstance packets dispensed by the substance packet dispenser.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the system is adapted to control dispensingof one or more substance packets from the substance packet dispenser. 3.The system of claim 1, wherein the system is adapted to collect userinformation relating to the user.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein thesystem is adapted to activate an algorithm on the electronic mobiledevice based on the user information and define a plan of cessation ofsubstance dependence.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the system isadapted to identify a substance packet dispenser proximate to the userfor dispensing substance packets at scheduled times.
 6. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the system is adapted to ensure substance packets aredispensed only at a single dispenser at a given timeframe.
 7. The systemof claim 1, wherein the substance packet dispenser comprises: a chamberfor holding one or more substance packets, embedded with a sensor todetermine the number of substance packets in the chamber; a display fordisplaying the number of substance packets in the chamber; and adispensing outlet through which the substance packets are dispensed. 8.The system of claim 7, wherein the system is adapted to control anopening and closing of the chamber for loading substance packets.
 9. Thesystem of claim 7, wherein the substance packet dispenser comprises apair of speakers adapted to play a message to the user.
 10. The systemof claim 7, wherein the substance packet dispenser is equipped with acraving button which can be used to indicate a craving feeling of theuser.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the system is configured tomodify the SDC plan based on execution of the craving button.
 12. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the SDC plan is based on a proximity ofsubstance usage locations to the user at time intervals through a day.13. The system of claim 12, further comprising one or more additionalsubstance packet dispensers connected to the electronic mobile devicethrough the communication network.
 14. A method for substance dependencecessation management, comprising: registering a user for substancedependence cessation management; collecting substance dependenceinformation relating to the user; saving the substance dependenceinformation relating to the user; generating a substance dependencecessation plan, based on personal information, comprising dependence ona substance, for the user; and rewarding the user for adhering to thesubstance dependence cessation plan based on a number of substancepackets that are dispensed by a substance packet dispenser.
 15. Themethod of claim 14, further comprising providing instructions to theuser regarding a number of substance packets to be loaded into thesubstance packet dispenser.
 16. The method of claim 14, furthercomprising controlling a number of substance packets dispensed from thesubstance packet dispenser to the user at a given time frame.
 17. Themethod of claim 14, further comprising estimating a time for substancedependence cessation completion and providing one or more detailsregarding the estimated time to the user.
 18. The method of claim 14,further comprising sharing one or more success stories with friends andfamily through social media connections.
 19. The method of claim 14,further comprising dispensing an extra substance packet apart from ausual number of substance packets in response to the user indicating acraving feeling.
 20. A substance dispenser apparatus for substancedependence cessation management, comprising: a chamber for holdingsubstance packets; and a dispensing outlet through which the substancepackets are dispensed, wherein the substance dispenser apparatus iscapable of being controlled by a software program to dispense aparticular number of substance packets at a specific time that is basedon personal information of a user, the personal information comprisingdependence on a substance, and wherein the software program is adaptedto reward the user for adhering to the particular number of substancepackets dispensed by the substance dispenser apparatus.